Trump Pledges Support For AM Radio

More than 30 state broadcast associations converged on Washington, DC, last week to lobby lawmakers for passage of the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, bolstered by President Trump’s public pledge of support during a Monday radio interview ahead of Capitol Hill meetings.

The push gained an unexpected lift when Trump addressed the bill live on Salem Media’s Hugh Hewitt Show, just as House Speaker Mike Johnson entered the Oval Office. Hewitt noted House Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s reported reluctance to advance the legislation.

Curtis LeGeyt

“I’m very much onto it. We’re pushing it hard,” Trump said, emphasizing that “a lot of our people are on AM radio.” He then pulled Johnson into the conversation. When Hewitt urged the pair to enlist Scalise, Trump replied, “I think we can handle Steve. I do. I really do. He’s actually a very good guy. Will you please work on that?” Johnson, a former AM broadcaster, agreed: “He’s a great guy. Yes, we’ll be working on him.”

Trump closed with a direct assurance to broadcasters: “We’re backing it 100%. Nothing’s going to happen to AM radio that’s bad.”

NAB President and CEO Curtis LeGeyt called for immediate action, stating, “The time for Congress to act is now. Hundreds of broadcasters from across the country alongside nearly one million AM radio listeners have reached out to their members of Congress to support the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act and protect this essential public safety resource. We are grateful to our congressional champions who have led this bipartisan effort every step of the way. Congress has everything it needs to act. It is time to finish the job and send this bill to the president’s desk.”